Gritting your teeth through stiffness, soreness, and immobility in your neck? Let a spine surgeon in New Jersey have a look. Whiplash from car accidents often resolves on its own.
However, it can sometimes worsen and persist without professional treatment. Dr. Grigory Goldberg explores how New Jersey specialists diagnose and treat this injury. Stop suffering through the symptoms and learn more about treating whiplash below.
How Car Accident Whiplash Typically Develops
Whiplash is caused by soft tissue damage that develops after sudden, violent neck movements. You might also refer to this injury as a neck sprain or strain. Car accidents are a common cause of whiplash injuries.
Seat belts can reduce traffic accident fatalities by 45%, according to an article in USA Today. However, they can also contribute to whiplash injuries because they hold the driver’s or passenger’s chest in a fixed position while the cervical spine remains unsecured. Therefore, your body will stay secured to the seat while your neck moves back and forth from the force of the vehicle.
What Does Whiplash From Car Accidents Feel Like?
Whiplash injuries are fairly common occurrences. A data analysis available on ScienceDirect estimates that more than 1.2 million whiplash injuries occur annually in the United States. But what does whiplash feel like?
Symptoms vary depending on what happened during the car accident, your overall health, and your age. However, many whiplash cases share some common hallmarks, including:
- Persistent shoulder and neck pain: You might feel discomfort that ranges from a dull ache to a sharp, persistent pain. Due to limited circulation, this pain intensifies when you wake up in the morning.
- Limited range of motion: Stiffness accompanies the pain, making turning your head a challenge. You might move your head to look at something or someone beside you, only to experience a punishing sensation along the top of your shoulder through the side of your neck.
- Neck weakness: Holding your head upright seems needlessly challenging. You feel as though your neck might give way to the weight of your skull at any moment.
- Achy arms: Lifting or outstretching your arms might trigger discomfort that runs through your fingertips. You might also feel numbness or an electrical, tingling sensation.
Whiplash can also manifest as psychological symptoms like visual aberrations, poor memory recall, and sleeplessness. The physical and mental symptoms can culminate into prolonged fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration.
How a Spine Specialist in New Jersey Can Diagnose Whiplash
A prognosis analysis published by the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy estimates that 50% of people with whiplash injuries will struggle with ongoing injury symptoms. That means half of all whiplash injuries may not resolve by themselves. Therefore, you may need a spine specialist to pinpoint the injury’s location and develop an effective treatment strategy.
Spinal specialists use varying methods to diagnose whiplash from car accidents, including:
- MRIs: Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets to create anatomical images. A computer translates the magnetic feedback into detailed pictures of soft tissues.
- X-rays: An x-radiation image displays your body’s internal structures, particularly bones and abnormal tissues.
- CT scans: A computer tomography scan provides an ultra-detailed image of the injured area. Doctors might use this technology if they need more detailed imaging.
Once your specialist gathers sufficient information about your whiplash injury, they can determine effective treatment options for your case.
Treatment Options for Persistent Whiplash Symptoms
After receiving your official diagnosis, you might begin physical therapy to ease the symptoms and improve your range of motion. If this approach doesn’t work, your spine surgeon might recommend:
- Endoscopic spine surgery: A spine surgeon who prioritizes minimally invasive procedures might use endoscopic approaches to remedy chronic neck pain.
- Spine disc replacement: Some chronic whiplash pain develops because of permanently damaged discs. Spine disc replacement surgery can address that damage.
- Robotic spine surgery: This approach helps your surgeon plan by analyzing your imaging procedures to develop personalized surgical processes.
Minimally invasive procedures typically have shorter recoveries and less physical trauma. Therefore, you might return to your routine within weeks following the surgery.
How To Relieve Whiplash Discomfort Until Your Appointment
While waiting for your consultation or procedure, you may seek accessible methods to relieve persistent symptoms. Some people find relief from:
- Taking NSAIDs: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can take the edge off your discomfort.
- Taking prescription medications: Your doctor might prescribe pain relievers or muscle relaxers to hold you over until your procedure.
- Gently stretching the area: Sometimes, lack of circulation contributes to the pain. Slow, gentle stretches may return blood flow and release tension.
- Applying warm and cold compacts to the area: Compacts may relieve tension and loosen the muscles.
If you struggle with chronic whiplash or other spinal injuries, confirm with your doctor that these home relief methods are right for you first.
Book an Appointment With Dr. Grigory Goldberg To Find Relief
Whiplash from car accidents is just one of many common spinal injuries. Dr. Grigory Goldberg can help you find the treatment that works for you. Book an appointment for whiplash relief today.
Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
FAQs
Don’t dismiss your whiplash symptoms! Learn more about them. We’ve responded to some common queries from patients below.
Is Whiplash a Severe Injury?
No, whiplash isn’t typically a severe injury. However, some cases can cause significant pain and decreased mobility to the point that the patient needs treatments from spine specialists.
Am I Safe To Drive With Whiplash?
Yes, you are generally safe to drive with whiplash. However, you should avoid operating vehicles or machinery if doing so worsens your pain or you experience concerning symptoms, like dizziness or vision problems.
When Should I See a Doctor About Whiplash From Car Accidents?
Ideally, you should see a doctor about whiplash from car accidents as soon as you are able. However, you should book an appointment with a spine specialist in New Jersey once you notice painful or immobilizing symptoms.
